World No. 1 Luke Donald captured an early lead in the Disney Classic staged at Lake Buena Vista in Florida, edging out 14-th ranked Webb Simpson. The Englishman agreed to participate in this event only when he learnt that his top position on the PGA Tour money list was threatened.

Donald did not seem to care about the wind hit the golf course on that day, making a perfect 6-under-par 66 in the opening round. This result sent him to the leaderboard, ahead of Australia’s Nathan Green, America’s Gary Woodland, James Driscoll, Derek Lamely and Scott Stallings and India’s Arjun Atwal.

America’s Webb Simpson who is contending for the top position on the PGA Tour money list with Luke Donald for the PGA Tour’s money list title posted a solid 68. Though the American is two shots away from Donald after the first round, he was satisfied with his performance.

Among the other prominent golfers vying for the title this week are the U.S. Open champion of 2001 and 2004, South African Retief Goosen who recorded a 68 while world No. 17 Justin Rose settled for a 75.

This week is deciding for golfers out of the top 125 who want to finish in the first 125 positions of the PGA Tour ending money list and secure next year’s full membership on the Tour. And it seems that the Disney Classic will help some achieve their aim – 125th-ranked Driscoll made a 66 in the opening round and it looks like he is going to make it.

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